Acceleration based mode switch

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a method of selecting and implementing a shift schedule for a transmission in a vehicle that includes an output speed sensor and a controller. The method includes measuring output speed with the output speed sensor and comparing the measured output speed to an output speed threshold. The controller receives throttle percentage and compares the throttle percentage to a throttle threshold. The method also includes calculating output acceleration and transmission gear ratio with the controller. The shift schedule is selected based on the measured output speed, calculated output acceleration, calculated transmission gear ratio, and throttle percentage.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/543,945 filed Jul. 9, 2012, which is a divisional of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/409,989, filed Mar. 24, 2009 entitled“Acceleration Based Mode Switch,” the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a transmission, and in particular, to amethod of selecting a shift schedule for a transmission in a vehicle.

Conventional vehicle automatic transmissions include software or acontrol scheme for determining when the automatic transmission shiftsfrom one gear ratio to another gear ratio. This control scheme iscommonly referred to as a “shift schedule” and is based on multiplefactors, e.g., engine torque, vehicle speed and accelerator pedalposition (i.e., throttle percentage). Any given shift schedule for avehicle balances fuel economy against performance, and so a shiftschedule may be categorized as an “economy shift schedule” or a“performance shift schedule” based on the balance that characterizes theshift schedule. For example, in an economy-biased shift schedule, atransmission operates in an economy shift schedule more often than itoperates in a performance shift schedule.

Also, it is desirable to be able to change shift schedules duringvehicle operation since there are times when better fuel economy ispreferred over high-performance and vice-versa. For example, when thevehicle is heavily loaded or is ascending a steep grade, thetransmission may detect such a condition and select a performance-basedshift schedule. Alternatively, when the vehicle is able to quicklyaccelerate, e.g., when the vehicle is unloaded or descending a steepgrade, the transmission may detect this condition and select aneconomy-based shift schedule.

In a conventional vehicle having an engine and automatic transmission,an engine control module (ECM) controls the engine and a transmissioncontrol module (TCM) controls the transmission. A wiring harness isprovided that electrically connects the ECM to the TCM so thatinformation related to the engine can be communicated to the TCM.Transmission software is downloaded to the TCM and includes multipleshift schedules that control when the transmission shifts from one gearratio to another gear ratio. During vehicle operation, the TCM detects adriving condition or a change in a driving condition and selects a shiftschedule accordingly.

For the transmission to detect the driving condition or the change in adriving condition, the TCM receives engine data from the ECM andpossibly other information about the vehicle from other sources. Assuch, the transmission must be compatible with the engine and otheroutside sources to receive this information. For a transmission tooperate effectively with the engine, transmission manufacturers mustwork closely with engine manufacturers to ensure that the TCM timelyreceives engine data from the ECM. As a result, transmissions can onlybe mounted behind engines from which the TCM is able to receive enginedata.

If a transmission were mounted behind an engine with which it is notcompatible, the ECM might not be able to communicate engine data (e.g.,engine torque) to the TCM and the TCM might therefore be unable toselect the appropriate shift schedule. Alternatively, even if the ECMwere able to communicate engine data to the TCM, the ECM still might notbe able to communicate the correct data or might provide the data to theTCM too slowly. As a result, as driving conditions change, the TCM wouldbe unable to select a different shift schedule based on the changingdriving condition because it would be waiting to receive engine datafrom the ECM. These problems undesirably limit the number of vehicles inwhich a given transmission can be installed and require costly andtime-consuming coordination efforts between engine and transmissiondesign teams.

What is needed is an improved method of selecting between economy andperformance based shift schedules which addresses the compatibility anddata transmission problems noted above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of selecting between economy andperformance based shift schedules based solely on transmission datawhich enhances the compatibility between transmissions and engines andincreases the number of vehicles in which a given transmission can beincorporated. The method relies on vehicle acceleration, input andoutput speed, throttle percentage, and transmission gear ratio ratherthan non-transmission data.

In particular, a method of selecting and implementing a shift schedulefor a transmission in a vehicle is provided in which the transmissionhas an output speed sensor and a controller. The method includesmeasuring output speed by the output speed sensor and comparing themeasured output speed to an output speed threshold. Throttle percentageis received by the controller and compared to a throttle threshold. Themethod further includes calculating output acceleration and transmissionrange. A shift schedule is selected based on the measured output speed,calculated output acceleration, calculated transmission range, andthrottle percentage.

In another embodiment, a method of selecting and implementing aneconomy-based or performance-based shift schedule for a transmission isprovided in which the transmission includes a speed sensor and acontroller. The method includes using the speed sensor to measure outputspeed and compare the output speed to an output speed threshold.Throttle is received by the controller and compared to a throttlethreshold. The method further includes calculating output accelerationand transmission range and selecting an economy-based orperformance-based shift schedule.

In a further embodiment, a method of enabling acceleration-basedsoftware based on transmission data for a transmission in a vehicle isprovided. The transmission includes an input speed sensor, an outputspeed sensor, and a controller. The output speed sensor is used todetermine if the vehicle is moving and the input speed sensor is used todetermine if the vehicle is operating below a predefined engine speed.The method also includes using the controller to determine if an enginein the vehicle is generating power and determining whether to enable anacceleration-based software. The method can further include selecting ashift schedule when the acceleration-based software is enabled.

An advantage of the inventive method is that it utilizes transmissiondata to determine when an economy shift schedule or performance shiftschedule is appropriate. This method enhances the flexibility of vehiclesetup because it eliminates the need for the TCM to receive data orother information from the engine or other outside sources. As such,transmission manufacturers can combine their transmissions with a largervariety of engines without the need to coordinate the communication ofdata between the engine and transmission with engine manufacturers. Theacceleration-based software can thus reduce costs of a transmission.

Another advantage of the inventive method is that it allows flexibilityin biasing the transmission toward economy or performance. For example,before the acceleration-based software is downloaded to the TCM, thesoftware can be customized such that the transmission operates primarilyin the economy shift schedule (e.g., TCM selects the economy shiftschedule 75% of the time). Also, because the transmission does not relyon receiving data or other information from sources outside thetransmission (e.g., the engine), a further advantage is that thetransmission and acceleration-based software can be incorporated into alarger segment of the vehicle market (viz., those vehicles thatotherwise possess incompatible engines).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned aspects of the present invention and the manner ofobtaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself willbe better understood by reference to the following description of theembodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a transmission coupledto a controller via a wiring harness;

FIGS. 2-3 are flowcharts of an embodiment for enabling anacceleration-based software; and

FIGS. 4-6 are flowcharts of an exemplary embodiment for selecting atransmission shift schedule.

Corresponding reference numerals are used to indicate correspondingparts throughout the several views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments of the present invention described below are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formsdisclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodimentsare chosen and described so that others skilled in the art mayappreciate and understand the principles and practices of the presentinvention.

The present invention relates to transmission software which controlsthe operation of a transmission in a vehicle. With reference to FIG. 1,an exemplary embodiment of a transmission setup is provided. Atransmission 102 is shown in FIG. 1 with a controller 104, i.e.,transmission control module (“TCM”). Software is downloaded to the TCM104 and a wiring harness 106 couples the TCM 104 to the transmission102. A conventional wiring harness 106 includes an outer plastic bodythat surrounds wires that extend from a TCM connector 110 at one end ofthe wiring harness 106 to a transmission connector 108 disposed at theopposite end of the wiring harness 106.

The wiring harness 106 can also include other connectors such as speedsensor connectors. In FIG. 1, for example, an engine or input speedsensor connector 112 couples to an engine or input speed sensor 126 ofthe transmission 102. Likewise, a turbine speed sensor connector 114couples the wiring harness 106 to a turbine speed sensor 128 of thetransmission 102. Also, an output speed sensor connector 116 of thewiring harness 106 couples to an output speed sensor 130 of thetransmission 102. Other possible connectors of the wiring harness 106include a throttle input source connector 120, a throttle positionsensor (TPS) connector 124, a vehicle connector 118 (e.g., VehicleInterface Module (“VIM”) connector), and an alternative transmissionharness mating connector 122.

As noted, the transmission 102 includes the engine or input speed sensor126, turbine speed sensor 128, and output speed sensor 130. Thetransmission 102 mounts to an engine (not shown) by coupling a converterhousing 134 of the transmission 102 to a bell housing (not shown) of theengine (not shown). A torque converter 132 of the transmission 102includes a plurality of lugs 140 that couple to a flex plate (not shown)via flex plate bolts (not shown). During operation, the engine rotatesthe torque converter 132 and the engine or input speed sensor 126detects the rotational speed of the torque converter 132. The torqueconverter 132 can include ribs or protrusions (not shown) that protrudefrom the surface of the torque converter 132 and which the engine orinput speed sensor 126 measures during each revolution.

The transmission 102 can also include a main case or housing 136 thatencloses clutch plates and reaction plates, gears, hubs, pistons,shafts, and other housings. The transmission 102 can further include aturbine shaft (not shown) which rotates various clutches in thetransmission. A gear or tonewheel (not shown) can be coupled to theturbine shaft (not shown) such that the turbine speed sensor 128, whichcouples to the main case or housing 136, measures the rotational speedof the gear or tonewheel (not shown). Other transmissions can includealternative ways known to the skilled artisan for measuring turbinespeed.

In one embodiment, the transmission 102 includes an output shaft (notshown) which is enclosed by a rear cover 138 of the transmission 102.The output shaft (not shown) can couple to an output yoke (not shown) orother connection means. The output yoke, for example, couples the outputof the transmission 102 to a driveline of the vehicle. To measure theoutput speed of the transmission 102, the output speed sensor 130 cancouple to the rear cover 138. A smaller gear or tonewheel (not shown)can be coupled to the output shaft (not shown) such that the outputshaft and gear or tonewheel rotate together. The output speed sensor 130is aligned with the gear or tonewheel and measures the rotational speedof the output shaft. Thus, over a given period of time, the output speedof the transmission is measured.

Transmission shift schedules are included in software which isdownloaded to the TCM 104. The TCM 104 can select a shift scheduledepending on a vehicle's driving condition and implement the downloadedsoftware by sending signals through the wiring harness 106 to controlthe transmission 102. The TCM 104 also receives measurement data fromthe transmission 102 such as, for example, input speed from the inputspeed sensor 126, turbine speed from the turbine speed sensor 128, andoutput speed from the output speed sensor 130. In an embodiment in whichthe transmission does not include a torque converter 132, thetransmission may only have an input speed sensor 126 and output speedsensor 130. The TCM 104 can also calculate various parameters includingtransmission gear ratio or range, which is typically the ratio of inputspeed to output speed. In an embodiment in which the transmission 102has a torque converter 132, the transmission gear ratio or range canalso be determined by the ratio of turbine speed to output speed.

The TCM 104 also receives throttle percentage from a throttle inputsource, which can be coupled to an engine control module (ECM) fortransmitting throttle data over a datalink. Examples of a conventionaldatalink include J1587 datalink, J1939 datalink, IESCAN datalink,Hardwire TPS (throttle position sensor) to TCM, and Hardwire PWM (pulsewidth modulation) to TCM. Unlike engine torque data, for example, whichis communicated from the ECM to the TCM, throttle data is communicatedover the datalink and is not limited to a particular engine/transmissionconfiguration. Instead, the datalink can be adapted to most vehiclesetups.

In view of this, an acceleration-based software is provided which canutilize transmission data to select a transmission shift schedule. Theacceleration-based software is downloaded to the TCM 104 andcommunicates to the TCM 104 whether a transmission 102 operatesaccording to an economy shift schedule or performance shift schedule.The economy shift schedule may be selected, for example, when the TCMdetects the vehicle is unloaded or is able to accelerate quickly. Inthis case, the TCM selects the economy shift schedule, which can providethe vehicle with better fuel efficiency. To implement the economy shiftschedule, for example, the TCM may command a shift from a higher gearratio to a lower gear ratio at a lower output speed than if the TCM wascommanding the same shift based on the performance shift schedule. Onthe other hand, if the TCM detects the vehicle is unable to acceleratequickly and thus predicts the vehicle is loaded or ascending a steepgrade, the TCM selects the performance shift schedule. To implement aperformance shift schedule, for example, the TCM may command a shiftfrom a lower gear ratio to a higher gear ratio at a higher output speedthan if the TCM were commanding the same shift based on the economyshift schedule. At a higher gear ratio, the transmission producesgreater torque, for example, to move a loaded vehicle or assist avehicle as it ascends a steep grade.

An exemplary embodiment of a method 202 for enabling theacceleration-based software is shown in FIGS. 2-3. In FIGS. 2-6, theacceleration-based software is labelled “ABMS,” but ABMS can be analgorithm or mini-program, for example, contained within a softwareprogram. Alternatively, ABMS can be the main software program downloadedto the TCM. In step 204, method 202 determines whether the transmissionoutput speed exceeds a threshold, referred to as “OutSpdRThresh.” In onenon-limiting example, OutSpdRThresh is approximately 100 RPM.OutSpdRThresh is defined in the software as a relatively low value whichensures the vehicle is moving before enabling ABMS. Thus, duringoperation, the output speed sensor 130 measures the transmission outputspeed and communicates the measurement to the TCM 104. If the measuredoutput speed exceeds OutSpdRThresh, method 202 continues to step 206.If, however, the measured output speed falls below OutSpdRThresh, method202 proceeds to step 212 and ABMS is not enabled.

To enable ABMS, the method 202 also requires the engine or input speedto not exceed a threshold, referred to as “EngSpdThresh,” to ensure theengine is operating below a maximum speed. This maximum speed can be theengine governing speed, for example, or any other engine speed definedby the transmission software. In one non-limiting example, EngSpdThreshis set at approximately 2500 RPM. As described above with reference toFIG. 1, the engine speed is measured by the engine speed sensor 126.Thus, step 206 of method 202 compares the measured engine speed toEngSpdThresh, and if the measured engine speed is below the thresholdmethod 202 continues to step 208. If, however, the measured engine speedis above EngSpdThresh, method 202 continues to step 212 and ABMS is notenabled.

Method 202 also requires the throttle percentage to be above a certainthrottle threshold, referred to as “TH1Thresh,” to ensure the engine isgenerating power. As described above, the TCM receives throttle datafrom the throttle input source. In one non-limiting example, TH1Threshcan be set between 25-35%. Step 208 of the method 202 compares thethrottle percentage to TH1Thresh, and if the throttle percentage exceedsthe threshold, method 202 continues to step 210 which enables ABMS. Ifthe throttle percentage is below TH1thresh, then method 202 proceeds tostep 212 and ABMS is not enabled. Whether ABMS is enabled in step 210 ornot enabled in step 212, method 202 continues to step 302 (FIG. 3).

While method 202 has been described in one embodiment as performingsteps 204, 206, and 208 individually, in another embodiment method 202performs each of the steps 204, 206, and 208 in a single step. In otherembodiments, the TCM can perform steps 204, 206, and 208 in any order.In other words, the order by which steps 204, 206, and 208 are performedis not critical for enabling ABMS. In a further embodiment, steps 204,206, and 208 are performed continuously over a given period of time, andif each of the conditions set forth in steps 204, 206, and 208 aresatisfied over the period of time, ABMS is enabled. Otherwise, theacceleration-based software is not enabled. In addition, once ABMS isenabled, the TCM continuously performs steps 204, 206, and 208. If oneor more of the conditions set forth in steps 204, 206, and 208 is notsatisfied, ABMS is disabled until each of the conditions are satisfied.

In step 302, which is shown in FIG. 3, the TCM again checks the vehicleoutput speed. In step 302, for example, ABMS checks to determine whetherthe vehicle is slowing down at a traffic light, stop sign, or otherdriving-related condition. For instance, the vehicle may stop at a stoplight for 45 seconds but the transmission remains in first gear.Alternatively, the vehicle may stop at a loading dock for 30 minutes inwhich the vehicle is either loaded or unloaded (i.e., the weight of thevehicle changes). In this case, the transmission may shift into neutral.Each of these conditions affects whether ABMS wants to change theselected shift schedule to a performance shift schedule or, if thetransmission is already operating in an economy shift schedule, maintainthe transmission operating in the economy shift schedule.

Therefore, in step 302, the TCM determines whether the vehicle isslowing down such that the output speed falls below a second outputspeed threshold referred to as “OutSpdSThresh.” In one non-limitingexample, OutSpdSThresh is set at approximately 50 RPM. If the vehicle isnot slowing down and the measured output speed exceeds OutSpdSThresh,then method 202 ends and the transmission operates according to theshift schedule selected previous to step 302. If, however, the vehicleis slowing down and the output speed sensor 130 of the transmission 102measures the output speed below threshold OutSpdSThresh, method 202proceeds to step 304. In step 304, the TCM determines whether thetransmission has shifted into neutral. If the transmission is inneutral, method 202 proceeds to steps 312 and 314 in which the internaltimer of the TCM sets time variable Tneu1=0 and starts the internaltimer. Timing threshold, Tneu1thresh, can be set to any time duration.In one embodiment, Tneu1thresh is defined between 30-60 seconds. Inother embodiments, Tneu1thresh can be defined as several seconds toseveral hours. If the TCM detects the transmission 102 is in neutral andtime variable Tneu1 exceeds Tneu1thresh in step 314, method 202continues to step 316 and the TCM selects and implements the performanceshift schedule. If the condition in step 314 is not satisfied, e.g., thetransmission shifts out of neutral, the performance shift schedule isnot selected in step 316 and method 202 ends.

If, in step 304, the TCM determines the transmission has not shiftedinto neutral, method 202 continues to steps 306 and 308. For example, ifthe vehicle is slowing down and stopping at a traffic light, thetransmission may not shift out of gear even though the output speedfalls below threshold OutSpdSThresh in step 302. For this reason, ABMSdoes not change the shift schedule of the transmission unless the outputspeed remains below OutSpdSThresh and time variable Tgear1 exceedstiming threshold Tgear1thresh in step 308. In step 306, the TCM sets theinternal timer, Tgear1=0, and starts the internal timer. Timingthreshold, Tgear1thresh, can be longer than timing threshold,Tneu1thresh. In one embodiment, Tgear1thresh can be set between 1-3minutes. In another embodiment, Tgear1thresh can be defined as adifferent waiting period. If the conditions set forth in steps 302 and308 are satisfied, ABMS determines the vehicle has stopped for a reasonother than a stop sign or traffic light and method 202 proceeds to step310 in which the TCM selects and implements the performance shiftschedule. If the output speed falls below threshold OutSpdSThresh, butbefore the condition in step 308 is completed the output speed increasesabove OutSpdSThresh, method 202 skips step 310 and ends. For example,the traffic light may suddenly change from red to green and the vehicleoperator responds to the traffic light change by applying pressure tothe accelerator pedal to increase vehicle speed.

Once ABMS is enabled, vehicle acceleration can be used to predictvehicle load, grade, power, and capability to determine whether thetransmission should operate according to an economy shift schedule orperformance shift schedule. As noted above, an advantage of usingvehicle acceleration is that only internal TCM variables (e.g., engineor input speed, output speed, throttle percentage, output acceleration,transmission range, and threshold values) are required for determiningthe type of shift schedule the transmission should follow. In otherwords, engine torque and other non-transmission data or measurementswhich are required for selecting shift schedules in a conventionaltransmission are unnecessary when ABMS is enabled.

An exemplary embodiment illustrating how the TCM selects an economy orperformance shift schedule is described with reference to FIGS. 4-6.Once ABMS is enabled, a method 402 for selecting an economy shiftschedule or performance shift schedule is provided. The method 402requires the TCM to receive throttle percentage, calculate transmissiongear ratio or range, and calculate output acceleration. As noted above,the transmission gear ratio or range, e.g., neutral, first range, secondrange, etc., is the ratio of the engine or input speed to output speed.In an embodiment in which the transmission includes a torque converter,the transmission gear ratio or range can be computed as the ratio ofturbine speed to output speed. Thus, depending on the embodiment, theengine or input speed sensor 126 of FIG. 1 measures transmission inputspeed (i.e., engine speed), the turbine speed sensor 128 measuresturbine speed, and the output speed sensor 130 measures transmissionoutput speed. As for output acceleration, the transmission output speedis measured by the output speed sensor 130 over a time period and themeasured output speed is then divided by that time period.

In FIG. 4, for example, method 402 includes step 404 which compares thethrottle percentage received by the TCM to a throttle threshold,TH2thresh. If the throttle percentage exceeds TH2thresh, method 402continues to step 502 (see FIG. 5). If, however, the throttle percentagedoes not exceed TH2thresh, method 402 proceeds to step 406 in which thetransmission range is determined as explained above. Once thetransmission range is determined, method 402 continues to step 408 andthe TCM compares output acceleration to an economy-based outputacceleration threshold, Econ1thresh. ABMS defines output accelerationthreshold variables, Econ1thresh and Perf1thresh, based on throttlepercentage and transmission range. In some instances, method 402requires the TCM to interpolate between different throttle percentagesfor a given transmission range to determine the appropriate Econ1threshand Perf1thresh value.

Once the TCM determines the Econ1thresh value from the software, thecalculated output acceleration is compared to Econ1thresh in step 408.If the calculated output acceleration exceeds Econ1thresh, method 402continues to step 418. Otherwise, method 402 proceeds to step 410 inwhich the calculated output acceleration is compared toperformance-based threshold, Perf1thresh. If the calculated outputacceleration exceeds Perf1thresh in step 410, method 402 concludes andthe transmission remains operating in the current shift schedule. Also,the TCM continuously receives throttle percentage from the throttleinput source and performs step 404. If the condition set forth in step404 is not satisfied, i.e., the throttle percentage increases abovethreshold TH2thresh, method 402 proceeds to step 502 (since thecondition in step 404 is not met). In other words, if the vehicleoperator applies more pressure to the accelerator pedal such that thethrottle percentage received from the throttle input source exceedsTH2thresh, the condition set forth in step 404 is no longer satisfiedand method 402 proceeds to step 502 (FIG. 5).

If method 402 proceeds to step 418, such that the calculated outputacceleration exceeds Econ1thresh, the TCM sets internal timer, Tecon1=0,and starts the internal timer. The waiting period, referred to as“TEcon1thresh,” is a timing threshold defined by ABMS and can be severalmilliseconds to several seconds in duration. This, of course, is notintended to be limiting and other embodiments of the software can havedifferent timing thresholds. For an economy shift schedule to beselected, the calculated output acceleration must continuously exceedthreshold Econ1thresh throughout the duration of the waiting period,which is monitored in step 420. Also, the conditions in steps 404 and408 must continuously be met. In other words, steps 404 and 408 arecontinuously repeated until step 420 is satisfied. Once the waitingperiod expires, i.e., Tecon1 exceeds timing threshold TEcon1thresh,method 402 will continue to step 422. Otherwise, method 402 will endwithout selecting the economy shift schedule. If method 402 doescontinue to step 422, ABMS selects the economy shift schedule and theTCM 104 controls the transmission 102 accordingly. In this instance, thevehicle may be unloaded and accelerating at a rate in which the TCMdetermines the transmission can operate in the economy shift schedule toprovide better fuel efficiency to the vehicle.

If, instead method 402 proceeds to step 410, the calculated outputacceleration is compared to threshold Perf1thresh. If the outputacceleration falls below the threshold, method 402 continues to step 412and the TCM sets the internal timer, Tperf1=0 and starts the internaltimer. Again, similar to step 420, the throttle percentage and outputacceleration are continuously compared to thresholds TH2thresh andPerf1thresh, respectively, over a waiting period. The waiting period isdefined as TPerf1thresh and the timer counts up in step 414 until timevariable Tperf1 exceeds threshold TPerf1thresh. So long as theconditions in steps 404 and 410 are met during waiting periodTPerf1thresh, ABMS selects the performance shift schedule in step 416and method 402 concludes. Otherwise, method 402 ends without selectingthe performance shift schedule. For instance, the vehicle operator maysuddenly press firmly on the accelerator pedal such that the outputacceleration exceeds Perf1thresh, thereby causing the TCM not to selectthe performance shift schedule and instead the transmission continues tooperate in the current shift schedule. If ABMS is still enabled, method402 restarts at step 404 and the throttle percentage received from thethrottle input source is again compared to TH2thresh in step 404.

As described above, if the throttle percentage received by the TCM 104is greater than throttle threshold, TH2thresh, method 402 proceeds tostep 502 (see FIG. 5) in which the throttle percentage is compared to asecond throttle threshold, TH3thresh. In this embodiment, TH3thresh isgreater than both TH1thresh and TH2thresh. If the throttle percentageexceeds TH3thresh, method 402 continues to step 602 (see FIG. 6). If,however, the throttle percentage is less than TH3thresh, method 402continues to step 504 in which the transmission gear ratio or range iscalculated by the TCM as previously described. Once again, ABMS definesoutput acceleration threshold values for both the economy shift schedule(i.e., Econ2thresh) and performance shift schedule (i.e., Perf2thresh)based on the throttle percentage. The TCM may have to interpolatebetween different threshold values to determine both Econ2thresh andPerf2thresh, as both of these threshold values are based on throttlepercentage. ABMS can define both Econ2thresh and Perf2thresh based on aparticular throttle percentage, and if during operation the TCM receivesa different throttle percentage from the throttle input source, the TCMcan interpolate between two throttle data points to determine theappropriate threshold values. An example of how the TCM interpolatesbetween different throttle data points is described in Example 2 below.

In step 506, the TCM calculates output acceleration and compares thecalculated output acceleration to threshold Econ2thresh. If thecalculated output acceleration exceeds Econ2thresh, method 402 continuesto step 516. If, however, the calculated output acceleration is lessthan Econ2thresh, method 402 proceeds to step 508. Step 502 iscontinuously repeated to ensure the throttle percentage continues toexceed threshold TH2thresh but is less than threshold TH3thresh. Forexample, as a vehicle begins to ascend a steep grade, the vehicleoperator may press more firmly on the accelerator pedal to provide morepower to the vehicle. As such, the throttle percentage may increaseabove threshold TH3thresh causing method 402 to either restart at step404 or go directly to step 602.

If method 402 proceeds to step 508, i.e., the calculated outputacceleration is less than Econ2thresh, the calculated outputacceleration is compared to Perf2thresh. If the calculated outputacceleration is less than Perf2thresh, method 402 proceeds to step 510and the TCM sets the internal timer, Tperf2=0, and starts the internaltimer. The throttle percentage and output acceleration are continuouslymonitored over a waiting period, referred to as “TPerf2thresh” (whichcan be several milliseconds to several seconds). Once time variableTperf2 exceeds TPerf2thresh in step 512, if the conditions in steps 502,506, and 508 remain satisfied, method 402 continues to step 514 in whichthe performance shift schedule is selected. In the example given abovein which the vehicle ascends a steep incline, the TCM is able to predictthe steep grade by comparing the vehicle acceleration to differentthreshold values. As such, the TCM selects the performance shiftschedule in step 514 such that the transmission operates in a highergear ratio. Once the TCM selects the performance shift schedule, method402 concludes until driving conditions change. If the conditions insteps 502, 506, or 508 are not satisfied, the performance shift scheduleis not selected and method 402 ends or returns to whichever step is notsatisfied.

If the calculated output acceleration in step 506 does exceed thresholdEcon2thresh, method 402 continues to step 516. Here, the TCM setsinternal timer, Tecon2=0, and starts the internal timer. The TCMcontinuously repeats steps 502 and 506 until Tecon2 exceeds waitingperiod, TEcon2thresh, in step 518. If the conditions in steps 502 and506 are continuously met through the completion of step 518, the economyshift schedule is selected in step 520 and method 402 ends. Otherwise,the economy shift schedule is not selected and method 402 ends.

With reference to FIG. 6 of this embodiment, method 402 proceeds to step602 if the throttle percentage received by the TCM 104 is greater thanboth throttle thresholds, TH2thresh and TH3thresh. In step 602, the TCMcalculates the transmission gear ratio or range and determines outputacceleration threshold values for both the economy shift schedule, i.e.,Econ3thresh, and performance shift schedule, i.e., Perf3thresh, based onthe calculated transmission range. As noted above, the TCM may have tointerpolate between different threshold values to determine bothEcon3thresh and Perf3thresh, as both of these threshold values are basedon throttle percentage. ABMS can define both Econ3thresh and Perf3threshbased on a particular throttle percentage, and if during operation, theTCM receives a different throttle percentage, the TCM can interpolatebetween two throttle data points to determine the appropriate thresholdvalues (e.g., see Example 2 below).

In step 604 of method 402, the calculated output acceleration iscompared to output acceleration threshold variable Econ3thresh. If thecalculated output acceleration is greater than Econ3thresh, the vehiclemay be operating in a condition favorable to the TCM selecting theeconomy shift schedule. As such, method 402 proceeds to step 614.Otherwise, method 402 continues to step 606 to determine whether thecalculated output acceleration is less than output accelerationthreshold, Perf3thresh. If so, the vehicle may be operating in acondition more favorable to the TCM selecting the performance shiftschedule. The TCM also continues to receive the throttle percentage fromthe throttle input source. As the output acceleration is calculated andmonitored by the TCM, the TCM also continuously performs steps 404 and502. If the vehicle operator releases the accelerator pedal, forexample, such that throttle percentage decreases below either thresholdTH2thresh or TH3thresh, method 402 will restart at step 404.

In step 614, the TCM sets the internal timer, Tecon3=0, and starts theinternal timer. Step 604 is continuously repeated until either timevariable Tecon3 exceeds timing threshold TEcon3thresh in step 616 orstep 604 fails, i.e., the calculated output acceleration no longer isgreater than threshold Econ3thresh. This may happen, for example, if thevehicle begins to ascend a steep hill. If step 616 is successfullycompleted and the calculated output acceleration continues to exceedthreshold Econ3thresh, ABMS selects the economy shift schedule in step618 and method 402 concludes. If, however, step 616 is not successfullycompleted, the economy shift schedule is not selected and method 402ends.

Likewise, if step 606 is completed successfully, i.e., the calculatedoutput acceleration is less than threshold Perf3thresh, the TCM setsinternal timer, Tperf3=0, in step 608 and starts the internal timer.Step 606 is continuously repeated until either the condition set forthin step 606 fails, in which case method 402 ends, or time variableTperf3 satisfies the condition in step 610 and exceeds timing thresholdTPerf3thresh. If step 610 is successfully completed, method 402 proceedsto step 612 such that ABMS triggers the TCM to operate the transmissionaccording to the performance shift schedule. After step 612, method 402is completed.

Method 402 has been described in a step-by-step order, but duringvehicle operation, driving conditions can change at any moment. As aresult, ABMS adapts quickly to changing driving conditions such thatmethod 402 can be at step 410, for example, when the vehicle operatorpresses down on the accelerator pedal and full open throttle is obtained(i.e., 100% throttle). In this example, the conditions in steps 404 and502 are not satisfied and method 402 proceeds directly to step 602.Thus, the TCM continuously monitors both the throttle percentage andoutput acceleration during method 402, and if either changes, method 402restarts at step 404. Also, even though ABMS is enabled in step 210,changes in driving conditions may cause the criteria in steps 204, 206,or 208 to change. As a result, ABMS can become disabled at any moment,and therefore the TCM can continuously repeat method 202 at the sametime as method 402 is performed.

EXAMPLES

Five examples are provided below to further explain the features of ABMSdescribed in FIGS. 2-6. These examples are not intended to be limiting,and the values assigned in Table 1 below for each variable are onlyexemplary.

TABLE 1 Sample Variables and Transmission Data for Examples 1-5 VariableExample 1 Example 2 Example 3 Example 4 Example 5 Output Speed 2100 RPM1225 RPM 1875 RPM 850 RPM 500 RPM, 25 RPM OutSpdRThresh 100 RPM 100 RPM100 RPM 100 RPM 100 RPM Engine Speed 2100 RPM 2200 RPM 1500 RPM 1200 RPM2200 RPM EngSpdThresh 2500 RPM 2500 RPM 2500 RPM 2500 RPM 2500 RPMThrottle percentage 100%  75% 50% 25% 35% TH1Thresh 30% 30% 30% 30% 30%TH2thresh 60% 60% 60% 60% 60% TH3thresh 90% 90% 90% 90% 90% OutputAcceleration 1 rev/s² 10 rev/s² 6 rev/s² 5 rev/s² 3 rev/s² (OutA)Transmission Range Drive Drive Drive Drive Drive Econ1thresh 5 rev/s² 5rev/s² 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² Perf1thresh 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s²2 rev/s² 2 rev/s² TEcon1thresh 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5secs TPerf1thresh 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secsEcon2thresh 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² Perf2thresh 2rev/s² 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s² TEcon2thresh 0.5 secs 0.5secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs TPerf2thresh 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs0.5 secs 0.5 secs Econ3thresh 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² 5 rev/s² 5rev/s² Perf3thresh 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s² 2 rev/s²TEcon3thresh 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs TPerf3thresh0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs 0.5 secs OutSpdSThresh 50 RPM 50 RPM50 RPM 50 RPM 50 RPM Tgear1thresh 120 secs 120 secs 120 secs 120 secs120 secs Tneu1thresh 30 secs 30 secs 30 secs 30 secs 30 secs

Example 1

With reference to Table 1 above (under the column labeled “Example 1”)and FIG. 2, before an economy or performance shift schedule can beselected, the TCM determines whether ABMS is enabled. To do so, the TCMmonitors the conditions set forth in steps 204, 206, and 208 of FIG. 2.In step 204, the output speed measured by the output speed sensor of thetransmission must exceed the output speed threshold, OutSpdRThresh. FromTable 1, the output speed measured 2100 RPM, which is greater than thethreshold OutSpdRThresh of 100 RPM, and therefore the criteria set forthin step 204 is satisfied. As for the condition set forth in step 206,the engine speed measured 2100 RPM, which is less than the engine speedthreshold, EngSpdThresh, of 2500 RPM. Thus, the condition set forth instep 206 is satisfied. Finally, step 208 requires throttle percentage toexceed throttle threshold, TH1Thresh. The TCM received 100% throttlefrom the throttle input source. 100% throttle exceeds the throttlethreshold amount of 30% and therefore the condition set forth in step208 is satisfied. Since the criteria set forth in steps 204, 206, and208 are satisfied, ABMS is enabled in step 210. As noted above, eventhough ABMS is enabled, the TCM continuously monitors the three criteriaset forth in steps 204, 206, and 208 and if at any time one or more ofthese conditions change (i.e., are not satisfied), ABMS becomes disableduntil all three conditions are satisfied again.

Once ABMS is enabled, method 202 continues to step 302 to compare themeasured output speed to output speed threshold, OutSpdSThresh. FromTable 1, output speed measured 2100 RPM and ABMS defined OutSpdSThreshas 50 RPM. Since the measured output speed exceeds output speedthreshold OutSpdSThresh, method 202 is completed.

Next, the method 402 for selecting the economy or performance shiftschedule begins with step 404. Once again, the throttle percentagetransmitted to the TCM from the throttle input source is 100%, whichexceeds throttle threshold, TH2thresh, of 60%. Thus, method 402continues to step 502 and again the 100% throttle exceeds throttlethreshold, TH3thresh, of 90%. Method 402 therefore proceeds to step 602in which the TCM calculates the transmission range (or gear ratio). Thetransmission range (or gear ratio) is computed as 1.0 (which maycorrespond, for example, to 4^(th) range). Based on this transmissionrange, ABMS provides the TCM with output acceleration threshold valuesthat correlate with 100% throttle. In step 604, the TCM calculates theoutput acceleration as 1 rev/s² and compares the calculated outputacceleration to output acceleration threshold, Econ3thresh. ABMS definesEcon3thresh as 5 rev/s², which is greater than the calculated outputacceleration of 1 rev/s². The condition set forth in step 604 thereforeis not satisfied and method 402 proceeds to step 606. As such, due tothe low vehicle acceleration, ABMS predicts that the vehicle may beloaded or is ascending a steep grade, for example, and thus the presentdriving conditions are not ideal for an economy-based shift schedule.

The condition set forth in step 606 requires the calculated outputacceleration to be less than threshold variable, Perf3thresh. Onceagain, ABMS defines output acceleration threshold variable, Perf3thresh,such that if the vehicle acceleration is below this threshold variable,ABMS predicts or assumes the vehicle is loaded or is encounteringdriving conditions that require a performance-based shift schedule. Inthis example, the calculated output acceleration of 1 rev/s² is lessthan the output acceleration threshold Perf3thresh of 2 rev/s² andtherefore the condition set forth in step 606 is satisfied. As such,method 402 continues to steps 608 and 610. In step 608, the TCM sets aninternal timer to initiate a delay or waiting period to ensure that thecondition set forth in step 606 remains satisfied. The delay or waitingperiod is defined by timing threshold, TPerf3thresh, which in thisexample is 0.5 seconds. During the delay or waiting period, step 606 iscontinuously repeated and the throttle percentage is continuouslycompared to throttle threshold variables, TH1Thresh, TH2thresh, andTH3thresh. If the throttle percentage or output acceleration changessuch that one of these conditions no longer is met, step 610 isterminated and either method 402 ends or ABMS is disabled (e.g., if thethrottle percentage falls below threshold TH1Thresh).

In the present example, however, the throttle percentage and outputacceleration remain constant throughout the duration of the delay orwaiting period, and therefore step 610 is satisfied. Method 402 thenproceeds to step 612 in which the TCM selects the performance shiftschedule. Once the performance shift schedule is selected, method 402reaches its conclusion and the transmission operates in the performanceshift schedule until the driving conditions change causing ABMS todisable or method 402 to restart at step 404.

Example 2

Following the same process as in Example 1 above, ABMS is enabled if thecriteria set forth in steps 204, 206, and 208 are met. In step 204, theoutput speed measures 1225 RPM (see the Column labeled “Example 2” inTable 1 above) and the output speed threshold, OutSpdRThresh, is 100RPM. Thus, the condition in step 204 is satisfied as the output speedexceeds the output speed threshold. In step 206, the engine speedmeasures 2200 RPM, which is less than the engine speed threshold,EngSpdThresh, of 2500 RPM. The condition in step 206 is thereforesatisfied as well. Finally, in step 208, the throttle percentage is 75%and this exceeds the throttle threshold, TH1Thresh, of 30%. Thecondition set forth in step 208 is satisfied, and since each of theconditions in steps 204, 206, and 208 are met, ABMS is enabled in step210. Following step 210, method 202 continues to step 302 and themeasured output speed is compared to output speed threshold,OutSpdSThresh. Since the output speed measures 1225 RPM and this isgreater than OutSpdSThresh of 50 RPM, method 202 reaches its conclusion.

Once ABMS is enabled, the method 402 for selecting an economy orperformance shift schedule starts at step 404. In step 404, since the75% throttle exceeds the throttle threshold, TH2thresh, of 60%, method402 proceeds to step 502. Here, since the 75% throttle is less than thethrottle threshold, TH3thresh, of 90%, method 402 continues to step 504and the transmission range (or gear ratio) is calculated. Thetransmission range is calculated as 1.8 (which may correspond, forexample, to 2^(nd) range), and based on the 75% throttle andtransmission range, the TCM determines the output acceleration thresholdvalues as defined by ABMS. As noted above, the TCM may have tointerpolate between different throttle data points to determine outputacceleration threshold variables, Econ2thresh and Perf2thresh. Forexample, ABMS may define threshold variable, Econ2thresh, as being 4rev/s² at 60% throttle and 6 rev/s² at 90% throttle. In the presentexample, at 75% throttle the TCM can interpolate between the throttlepercentage data points and determine Econ2thresh to be 5 rev/s².

Once the transmission range has been calculated and the TCM hasdetermined the output acceleration threshold values, method 402continues to step 506 in which the TCM calculates output accelerationand compares the calculated output acceleration to threshold,Econ2thresh. The TCM calculates the output acceleration to be 10 rev/s²,which is greater than the defined output acceleration threshold,Econ2thresh, of 5 rev/s². Since the condition set forth in step 506 issatisfied, method 402 proceeds to steps 516 and 518. In step 516, theTCM sets an internal timer to initiate a delay or waiting period toensure that the condition set forth in step 506 remains satisfied. Thedelay or waiting period is defined by timing threshold, TEcon2thresh,which in this example is 0.5 seconds. During the delay or waitingperiod, step 506 is continuously repeated and the throttle percentage iscontinuously compared to throttle threshold variables, TH1Thresh,TH2thresh, and TH3thresh. In this example, the output acceleration andthrottle percentage remain constant through the duration of the waitingperiod, and thus the condition set forth in step 518 is satisfied. Assuch, method 402 proceeds to step 520 in which the economy shiftschedule is selected. Once step 520 is completed, the transmissionoperates based on the economy shift schedule and method 402 is complete.

Example 3

The method 202 for enabling ABMS begins at steps 204, 206, and 208, eachof which can be performed in any order or simultaneously in a singlestep. The condition in step 204 is met as the measured output speed is1875 RPM, which is greater than output speed threshold, OutSpdRThresh,of 100 RPM. Likewise, the condition set forth in step 206 is met as themeasured engine speed is 1500 RPM, which is less than the engine speedthreshold, EngSpdThresh, of 2500 RPM. The condition in step 208 is alsomet as 50% throttle is greater than the throttle threshold, TH1Thresh,of 30%. Thus, the criteria in steps 204, 206, and 208 are satisfied andABMS is enabled in step 210. Method 202 then proceeds to step 302 wherethe measured output speed again is compared to output speed threshold,OutSpdSThresh. Here, the measured output speed is 1875 RPM, which isgreater than OutSpdSThresh of 50 RPM, and thus the condition set forthin step 302 is not satisfied. As such, method 202 is complete.

Once ABMS is enabled in step 210 and method 202 ends, the method 402 ofselecting an economy or performance shift schedule begins at step 404.The condition set forth in step 404 is not met as the 50% throttle isless than throttle threshold, TH2thresh, of 60%. As such, method 402proceeds to step 406 and the TCM calculates the transmission range(which is based on transmission gear ratio). Here, the gear ratiocomputes to 0.8 (engine speed/output speed or turbine speed/outputspeed), and ABMS defines output acceleration threshold values based onthe calculated transmission range and throttle percentage. In step 408,the output acceleration threshold, Econ1thresh, is defined as 5 rev/s²(this may be an interpolated threshold value). The TCM calculates theoutput acceleration as 6 rev/s² and compares the calculated outputacceleration to Econ1thresh. Since Econ1thresh is defined by ABMS as 5rev/s², the TCM determines the condition in step 408 is satisfied andthus method 402 continues to steps 418 and 420. The TCM sets theinternal timer, Tecon1=0, and begins a delay or waiting period in whichsteps 404 and 408 are continuously repeated. In this example, thedriving conditions do not change such that the criteria set forth insteps 404 and 408 remain satisfied. Method 402 therefore continues tostep 422 and the economy shift schedule is selected by the TCM. Afterstep 422, method 402 concludes and the transmission operates accordingto the economy shift schedule.

Example 4

In a different example, the method 202 for enabling ABMS begins at steps204, 206, and 208. In step 204, the output speed measures 850 RPM, whichexceeds output speed threshold, OutSpdRThresh, of 100 RPM. The conditionin step 204 therefore is satisfied. In step 206, the engine speedmeasures 1200 RPM, which is less than the engine speed threshold,EngSpdThresh, of 2500 RPM. Thus, the condition in step 206 is met.Finally, in step 208, the TCM receives throttle percentage from thethrottle input source. The 25% throttle received by the TCM, however, isless than the throttle threshold, TH1Thresh, of 30%. The condition setforth in step 208 therefore is not satisfied, and as a result, method202 continues to step 212 in which ABMS is not enabled. As drivingconditions change, however, the TCM continues to monitor the outputspeed, engine speed, and throttle percentage such that when the criteriain steps 204, 206, and 208 are satisfied, ABMS can be enabled.

Example 5

In another example, the method 202 for enabling ABMS again begins atsteps 204, 206, and 208. In step 204, the output speed measures 500 RPM,which is greater than the output speed threshold, OutSpdRThresh, of 100RPM. Thus, the condition set forth in step 204 is met. The condition setforth in step 206 is also met as the measured engine speed is 2200 RPM,which is less than the engine speed threshold, EngSpdThresh, of 2500RPM. Finally, the 35% throttle exceeds the throttle threshold,TH1Thresh, of 30% and therefore the condition is step 208 is satisfied.Since the criteria of steps 204, 206, and 208 are met, ABMS is enabledin step 210 and method 202 proceeds to step 302.

In this example, the vehicle is approaching a red traffic light. In thecolumn labeled “Example 5” in Table 1 above, the output speed initiallymeasured 500 RPM. As the vehicle approaches the traffic light, however,the measured output speed decreases to 25 RPM. As such, the condition instep 204 is no longer satisfied as the TCM determines the measuredoutput speed of 25 RPM is less than the output speed threshold,OutSpdRThresh, which is 100 RPM. ABMS is disabled in step 212 and method202 continues to step 302. Here, the measured output speed of 25 RPM isless than the output speed threshold, OutSpdSThresh, of 50 RPM and thusmethod 202 proceeds to step 304.

In step 304, the TCM determines if the transmission is operating inneutral. Since the vehicle is decelerating as it approaches the trafficlight, the transmission is not shifted to neutral. Instead, thetransmission continues to operate in drive and thus method 202 continuesto steps 306 and 308. The TCM sets internal timer, Tgear1=0, and beginsa delay or waiting period. The length of the waiting period is definedby ABMS as Tgear1thresh. In this non-limiting example, Tgear1thresh isdefined as 120 seconds (i.e., 2 minutes). During the waiting period, theTCM continues to monitor the condition set forth in step 302. In thepresent example, the waiting period expires and the condition in step302 remains unchanged such that the condition in step 308 is satisfied.Therefore, method 202 proceeds to step 310 in which the TCM selects theperformance shift schedule. Once the TCM selects the performance shiftschedule in step 310, method 202 reaches the end. The TCM continues tomeasure output speed and engine speed and receives throttle percentagefrom the throttle input source. Thus, the TCM continues to perform steps204, 206, and 208 until the conditions set forth in these steps aresatisfied and ABMS is enabled.

While exemplary embodiments incorporating the principles of the presentinvention have been disclosed hereinabove, the present invention is notlimited to the disclosed embodiments. Instead, this application isintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the inventionusing its general principles. Further, this application is intended tocover such departures from the present disclosure as come within knownor customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains andwhich fall within the limits of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of enabling acceleration based softwareby monitoring transmission data for a transmission in a vehicle, thetransmission including at least an input speed sensor, an output speedsensor, a throttle position sensor, and a controller, the methodcomprising: storing a plurality of shift schedules and a plurality ofpredefined threshold values in the controller, wherein the plurality ofpredefined threshold values includes at least an input speed threshold,an output speed threshold, and a throttle position threshold; operablycontrolling the transmission according to one of the plurality of shiftschedules; using the controller to receive electrical signals from theoutput speed sensor, the input speed sensor, and the throttle positionsensor; using the output speed sensor to determine a measured outputspeed of the transmission; using the input speed sensor to determine ameasured input speed of the transmission; using the throttle positionsensor to determine a measured throttle position of the vehicle;comparing the measured output speed to the output speed threshold, themeasured input speed to the input speed threshold, and the measuredthrottle position to the throttle position threshold; activating theacceleration based software based only on a result of the comparing stepwithout considering vehicle acceleration; executing the accelerationbased software after the activating step, wherein the executing theacceleration based software includes consideration of outputacceleration; and operably controlling the transmission according to adifferent one of the plurality of shift schedules only if theacceleration based software is enabled.
 2. The method of claim 1,further comprising selecting an economy shift schedule or performanceshift schedule.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising calculatingoutput acceleration and comparing the calculated output acceleration toan output acceleration threshold.
 4. The method of claim 3, furthercomprising determining the output acceleration threshold based on themeasured throttle position and a transmission gear ratio.
 5. The methodof claim 3, further comprising determining an economy-based outputacceleration threshold or a performance-based output accelerationthreshold.
 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising calculating atransmission gear ratio with the controller.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein calculating transmission gear ratio comprises dividing themeasured input speed by the measured output speed.
 8. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising measuring turbine speed with a turbine speedsensor.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the transmission gear ratio iscalculated as the ratio of the measured turbine speed to the measuredoutput speed.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising triggering awaiting period, wherein during the waiting period, the controllerrepeatedly receives the measured throttle position and calculates outputacceleration.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein, during the waitingperiod, the measured throttle position is repeatedly compared to asecond throttle threshold, and a calculated output acceleration isrepeatedly compared to an output acceleration threshold.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein, after the waiting period, the controller selectsthe shift schedule.
 13. The method of claim 1, further comprisingimplementing the selected shift schedule.
 14. A method of executing anacceleration based software to select an economy based shift schedule ora performance based shift schedule for a transmission, the transmissionincluding at least an input speed sensor, an output speed sensor, athrottle position sensor, and a controller, the method comprising:storing a plurality of shift schedules and a plurality of predefinedthreshold values in the controller, wherein the plurality of predefinedthreshold values includes at least an input speed threshold, an outputspeed threshold, a time threshold, a plurality of throttle positionthresholds, and a plurality of acceleration thresholds; operablycontrolling the transmission according to one of the plurality of shiftschedules; using the controller to receive electrical signals from theoutput speed sensor, the input speed sensor, and the throttle positionsensor; using the output speed sensor to determine a measured outputspeed of the transmission; using the input speed sensor to determine ameasured input speed of the transmission; using the throttle positionsensor to determine a measured throttle position of the vehicle;comparing the measured output speed to the output speed threshold, themeasured input speed to the input speed threshold, and the measuredthrottle position to at least one of the plurality of throttle positionthresholds; and activating the acceleration based software based only ona result of the comparing step without considering vehicle acceleration;once the acceleration based software is activated: comparing themeasured throttle position to at least one of the plurality of throttlethresholds; determining a transmission range; determining an outputacceleration and comparing the output acceleration to at least one ofthe plurality of acceleration thresholds; enabling a timer to trigger awaiting period defined by the timer threshold; and selecting either aperformance based shift schedule or an economy based shift schedulebased on the throttle position and the output acceleration.
 15. Themethod of executing the acceleration based software of claim 14, whereinthe plurality of acceleration thresholds include a first economyacceleration threshold, a second economy acceleration threshold, and athird economy acceleration threshold that correspond with the economybased shift schedule.
 16. The method of executing the acceleration basedsoftware of claim 14, wherein the plurality of acceleration thresholdsinclude a first performance acceleration threshold, a second performanceacceleration threshold, and a third performance acceleration thresholdthat correspond with the performance based shift schedule.
 17. Themethod of executing the acceleration based software of claim 14, whereinthe plurality of throttle position thresholds includes a first throttleposition threshold, a second throttle position threshold, and a thirdthrottle position threshold.
 18. The method of executing theacceleration based software of claim 17, wherein the first throttleposition threshold is used to enable the acceleration based software.19. The method of executing the acceleration based software of claim 17,wherein the second throttle position threshold and the third throttleposition threshold are considered after the acceleration based softwareis enabled when selecting either the economy shift schedule or theperformance shift schedule.